Fringe Swap Shop demonstrates benefits of re-use
Everything from weird and wacky costumes to solid stage props are getting a new lease of life at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Swap Shop for performers, a great example of how the new ‘circular economy’ approach to the capital’s Festivals could work in the future, making one of the world’s leading cultural cities, one of its leading circular cities. Continue reading Circular Edinburgh is the best show in town
A major new initiative, to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Edinburgh identify and capitalise on circular economy opportunities, has been launched. Circular Edinburgh is a joint initiative delivered by Zero Waste Scotland and Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce.
The capital is one of four Scottish regions selected in 2018 to receive free support and project funding for local businesses. The Chambers will deliver a range of local activities to help identify opportunities for local business, and direct them towards available support and funding. The initiative is backed by the Scottish Government and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
A circular economy is one in which we eradicate waste by keeping resources and products in use for as long as possible. It offers opportunities to Scottish business to develop new products and services which promote repeated use, not single-use – for example: leasing, repair, or take-back services, or designing new products from another industry’s ‘waste’ through effective collaboration.
Iain Gulland, Chief Executive, Zero Waste Scotland, said: “I’m delighted today to announce Zero Waste Scotland is joining forces with Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce to launch Circular Edinburgh, an ambitious initiative to unlock the potential for SMEs in the region, by thinking innovatively about business models.
“Circular Edinburgh is a terrific opportunity to help local businesses in making the transition to a circular economy, that has the potential to create jobs, support sustainable business models and help the environment and the economy. Across Scotland, a circular economy could generate £3 billion of annual benefits.
“Scotland is at the cutting edge of developing a more circular economy, and was recently chosen to host the Circular Economy Hotspot Scotland, a major international trade mission, taking place later this year. Businesses are already capitalising on the vast benefits of being circular and, through new business models, are finding untapped opportunities for innovation and increased profitability, whilst addressing the issue of resource pressures.”
Liz McAreavey, Chief Executive, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Circular Economy will provide business with tremendous opportunities, in creating efficiencies, reducing waste, and in creating new products, services, wealth and jobs.
“The Chamber is delighted to be working with Zero Waste Scotland on a project to engage the Capital’s business community with these opportunities, and making a big contribution to future growth and sustainability.”
Circular Edinburgh complements Zero Waste Scotland’s nationwide support for SMEs to develop circular economy business ideas, including its £18million Circular Economy Investment Fund and Circular Economy Business Support Service.
The initiative is part of the Resource Efficient Circular Economy Accelerator Programme, which will invest £27million in Scotland in circular economy projects until December 2019, thanks to support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Zero Waste Scotland leads on delivery of the £73million Resource Efficient Circular Economy Accelerator Programme, which aims to improve the economic performance of SMEs while at the same time reducing the impact of economic activity on the natural environment, supporting Scottish Government and EU policies.
For more information about Circular Edinburgh, please visit www.edinburghchamber.co.uk/circular-economy
Drive to encourage Scots to repair, re-use and recycle
Scotland’s Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead has challenged members of the public to #MakeThingsLast with the launch of a social media engagement campaign to promote repairing, reusing and remanufacturing as part of a wider circular economy drive.
Following on from the success of the 5p single-use carrier bag charge, the Cabinet Secretary wants to know what the public believe could be the next big thing to help reduce waste and #MakeThingsLast.
Launching the campaign in Edinburgh today, Mr Lochhead said: “I wonder how many people realise that by simply hiring a kilt or a dress to attend a wedding, they are already helping to keep valuable materials circulating around our economy.
“A circular economy is where we keep products in use for as long as possible; and reused, refurbished or taken apart to make new products at the end of their initial life.
“How often do you buy new clothes for a special event that only get worn once? How many DIYers buy expensive power tools for a single task then leave them to gather dust in the garden shed? How many parents resort to buying brand new toys when something gets broken rather than repairing it?
“That’s why we’re here today – to ask people to take up our #MakeThingsLast challenge and think of ways in which they can contribute towards a more circular economy for Scotland.
“There are so many innovations to help us make better use of our resources, save money and support local jobs. For example in Edinburgh there is a tool library where you can rent out a power tool for work around the house, and then return it when you’ve finished. In Glasgow there’s a studio that offers 3-D printing, which could be the future when it comes to repairing broken toys or household items.”
Action to create a more circular economy starts with product design, which influences how products are manufactured and used – as well as how long they last and scope for repair, reuse and recycling. Combining these approaches helps to keep products in use for longer – making better use of the material, labour, energy and capital that went into their production.
Mr Lochhead added: “Scotland is already recognised internationally as a leader in the movement towards becoming a circular economy. Our Scottish Institute for Remanufacture, is the first of its kind in Europe and one of only four in the world alongside New York, Singapore and Beijing. And we are exploring the opportunities for a deposit return system in Scotland. But the new ideas will come from the public and from our entrepreneurs.”
“Creating a more circular economy is good for the environment, good for the economy and like our action on climate change, a moral imperative – it will create jobs in our communities, improve our quality of life, and just makes good sense.”
Iain Gulland, Chief Executive of Zero Waste Scotland said: “The #MakeThingsLast campaign is about engaging everyone in Scotland in finding a solution to a common problem we all share – how do we end our throwaway culture and make the most of what we already have?
“As part of the campaign, Zero Waste Scotland plans showcase some great examples from around the country, including 3D printing and tool sharing libraries, which have the potential to transform our society. We want you to share your views on these ideas, tell us your own, and get involved in the conversation. Keep up-to-date with the latest from this four-week campaign on Zero Waste Scotland’s Facebook page, or on Twitter using #MakeThingsLast.
“At the end of this campaign, your views could contribute to the development of a roadmap towards a circular economy in Scotland. This could see Scotland adopt more game changing policies and initiatives – like our recent adoption of a charge for single-use carrier bag. These changes will help shape our future society, ensuring it’s sustainable for generations to come.”
To find out more visit www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/MakeThingsLast
